Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  The one and only - 2005 Honda Civic
  By elie - June 25 - 1:13 pm

  January of 2005, was the first time i had ever bought a honda. The honda civic not only has the reliability and the great gas mileage, but also has the styling bold looks. The only way that i would trade my civic in is by trading to another civic with a sunroof and other features and equipments. Civics are great...

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  Great For Leasing, Expensive to own - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Frank Black - June 25 - 10:44 am

  +Pros: 1. Nice redesign, but a little too much chrome on the outside. Would have been nice for some details in black instead of chrome, plus, I personally dont like chrome -- its cheapy/tacky looking bling and it blinds people driving behind you. 2. Its a V6 and fast when pushed (but also a future con.) 3. Great highway gas mileage. (Also a con) 4. The front seats can be moved further up than before, great to prevent kids that kick and ruin the leather seats 5. Dual screen, but they still havent updated the camera screen, still looks like a webcam from the 90s. 6. Finally, a rear spoiler on the V6 model, but you pay for it with it being only on the Touring Trim level. 7. Very nice rims! 8. Beige leather is very nice, so is the Orchid White paint. 9. Remote Start. Still have to figure it out. When I activate it and then get into the car and it says hold the break and push start, then car turns off. Whats the point?? Ugh. +Cons: 1. Timing Belt replacement (youre looking at a $1200 replacement including water pump and tensioner) and hope the mechanic you get installs it properly without causing more harm than good trying to squeeze into the crammed in space to replace it. They still refuse to use a timing chain on the V6 line. 2. Cost to replace engine mounts: $500. 3. Cost to replace the 7" touchscreen when it goes, and it will die eventually and I highly doubt it will make it 10 years. 4. Stupid idea to put the music controls on the touch screen and no physical buttons to operate it. I still cant stop playing music without having to navigate the touchscreen to turn off the music. At least have a on/off music button or touch button like the Pilot has* 5. Wow, still no rear HVAC control? 6. Still no rear USB ports? 7. Piano Black Gloss? Really? Its a swirl scratch magnet plus distraction in the sun from the glare. Who thought this was a good idea? 8. Keyless ignition, while nice, why didnt you do what you did like the Pilot with an illuminated Button? Anyways, its a con, because when that goes, its about $1200 to replace. 9. Subwoofer tends to rattle the rear window, though the audio system does sound better then the 2013 V6 I had. 10. HD Radio sounds aweful, I really wish they also included an analog reciever.** 11. Gas Mileage / VCM Engine ... I just hope that after the class action lawsuit of previous generations due to the VCM design, this engine doesnt eat oil and foul spark plugs. Summary: All-in-all, its a great car to lease, but not buy. Too many electronics that can go bad down the road that would raise the Total Cost of Ownership thousands of dollars more. If they provided a 8 year 100K warranty on the electronics, I say go for it, but at 3Y/36K standard, its a future money pit, even with "Honda Care" at another $1200.00 Youre better off with the LX with the least amount of electronics that can go bad. My final note: Great For Leasing, Expensive to own, esp. if you plan to drive it into the ground, and before you drive this thing into the ground, I bet you it will do that first to your wallet in repairs. UPDATES: 1. * I found the Audio On/Off button, it exists, its to the left of the CD Player. Unlike the Honda Pilot EX-L which has it on the Touch Screen. 2. **There is a way to change the HD radio preference (personally, HD Radio sounds like someone talking through a tin can, aweful.) If you dig into the menu screen, youll see the option to default to Analog Radio as the first preference. Addendum to Pros: 1. Great visibility outside of the Windows. 2. Breaking is responsive. Other: 1. When driving on the I280 in NJ, I noticed on the curves at around 65MPH, the road handling feels slippery. Maybe its the new tires? Not sure, but its not road gripping, more like fishtail/slipping. 2. My Goodness, on the Touring Trim, All Season Mats and Mud Flaps should be standard!!

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  Best Trade Down Ever - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FrogDaddy - June 25 - 6:33 am

  I traded my 2004 Honda Accord for this car to cut my payments in half and save even more in gas. Great car and fun to drive in the city. I traded a lot of luxury for this car but its made up for it in quality, appearence, and overall economy. Buy it youll love it!!!

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  Wow - 2008 Honda Accord
  By tarheel03 - June 25 - 6:13 am

  I purchased an 08 EX coupe a couple of weeks ago. It has been great. The car has great response and power for a 4 I really cant say enough about it. It came down to the Accord vs. Altima for me. The Altima coupe was a lot smaller and with its CVT you couldnt really enjoy driving if you know what I mean. The Accord coupe seems more next gen to me as well. I have been stopped with people telling me it looks like a BMW 6 series from the side. I didnt really like the back but it has grown on me. If I could improve anything it would probably be the audio system, and I even got the upgraded audio. They need to talk to BOSE or Infinity to partner with them for the sound systems.

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  1 month ownership - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Lovesgreycars - June 25 - 1:30 am

  Like the safety and tools on the car. The space is great.

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  I Love Honda Cars!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By stinkywiselteets - June 25 - 12:56 am

  This is my 6th time buying a Honda. 9 between my wife and me. I have the civic, navy blue. She has and Accord. I love driving the Civic more so than driving her Accord. It handles quite well and gets great gas mileage. I love the way it feels inside and out.Bought the extended warranty, not like Ill never need it.

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  Love my Accord! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Janet L. - June 25 - 12:30 am

  I welcoming for a bigger car to drive for comfort. I had been driving the Civic. Enter the Hoda Accord 4 door sedan. Talk a out roo.,there is entry for you and companions. Drives very smooth with noise.My salesman Michael Tan was so nice and really gave me a great deal . I recommend him highly. He,s fair and he really wants to make customer experience great! Go to Crown Honda on US hwy 19 Pinellas Park.

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  They make it simply...marvelous - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By KARsrUs - June 24 - 11:30 pm

  Looking for a roomy (interior), compact (exterior),high gas mileage, low maintenace, low insurance (5-star) vehicle that can compete with the luxury brands for just over half the price? This is it. Honestly, I wasnt expecting much with a compact Crossover, but everyone comments on how nice the this vehicle is. How upscale it looks...Weve put 3k miles on it in the last month going across the midwest and back. Excellent travel vehicle with 4 adults and all the luggage. Drives like a sedan,(better visability),hauls like a minivan...amazing. We did all the research everyone else did. We went with the CR-V. No regrets at all. Another outstanding effort by Honda.

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  Accord Gets Better - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Coogs - June 24 - 9:33 pm

  The Ride is perfectly balanced not too firm and not too bouncy. The accord is between altima/6 and Camry/Sonata it terms of ride quality. 4 Cylinder pick up is more than adequate in this class. The Paint job is better than domestic cars. Does everything well. The seat is not too firm or rough.

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  Mid-Life? - 2005 Honda S2000
  By JWal - June 23 - 1:43 pm

  I have wanted an S2000 since they came out. At that time, I settled for an Accord since I still had teens in the house. Well, I just hit 40 and what better gift to give myself! I love it! I dont take it grocery shopping because of the limited space, but I truly enjoy cruising around. It has met and exceeded my expectations. And I have had so many compliments on it already. I know I made the right choice!